Today is an exciting day for me! It’s exciting because it’s the start of a new series, Fashion Friday, and I am finally able to introduce you all to my best friend Meg! I’ve been begging Meg to write for ELD for a very long time, and one day she just whipped up this beauty of a post for me. Meg is a phenomenal writer, a stylish 20-something, and a fabulous PR professional. She’ll be dropping by ELD every now and then to give us her takes on being a bridesmaid and fashion! Today, Meg is talking about bridesmaid dress fashion and breaking the rules that so many feel like they have to follow! Meg, welcome to ELD!
Like many, my favorite part about attending weddings is taking in the final aesthetic of the whole day. I’ve always loved working with color and design, and I can’t think of another event that blends these two elements together as seamlessly as a wedding.
For brides, this is your day and you want every detail to come together cohesively. When considering all the small elements that go into wedding planning, choosing and defining your fashion style can be a cumbersome task – one that grows even more difficult as you strive to be creative and distinct.
I’ve watched many of bride-friends struggle with choosing their bridesmaid dresses. These dresses are extremely important to the overall look of a wedding, especially during the ceremony (and for those pictures that need to be absolutely perfect). Brides want their maids to look and feel great, but it can be frustrating given all the options and self-imposed rules placed on selecting these dresses.
In this first fashion post, I’d like to debunk a few bridesmaid fashion rules that brides seem to have established over the years:
1. You do not have to find your bridesmaid dress at a bridal store!
2. Not all bridesmaid dresses need to be made of silk and/or taffeta!
3. Bridesmaids dresses can be different colors! and shapes! and styles!
4. The dresses do not have to be a solid color!
Most of my friends searched for bridesmaids dresses at the same store where they purchased their wedding gowns. This worked out well for some, but I’d like to recommend looking at other retailers to gain inspiration. The dress sections at Anthropologie, Ann Taylor, Loft, j.crew, and modcloth are all great options to consider.
These popular retailers will provide you with a sense of what styles and colors are most popular right now. If you’re planning a wedding far in the future, try to track how these retailers adapt and change each season – keep note of similarities in styles and colors. This will help ensure your styles are still fresh even if you choose them well in advance. And, remember, most styles at common retailers remain fresh for at least one year. So, summer 2011 options will not be all that different from summer 2012.
I’d also recommend tracking your favorite clothing designers to see what trends and colors they are using. If you love Kate Spade or Michael Kors, be sure to check out the spring and fall lookbooks for inspiration, which can usually be found through a quick Google search.
Finally, I’d like to leave you with an example that shows all these rules in practice so you can see that “breaking the rules” can be done… and done well. These dresses can all be found at Anthropologie right now, are made from a variety of materials, have patterns, and are most definitely not all the same color. By coordinating around two central colors, yellow and gray, we were able to create a palette of dresses that all complement each other.
Dresses from left to right:
Take Action Dress $168
Bright Bandana Dress $158
j.crew wedding dress
Spiced Dress $188
Blooming Goldenrod Dress on sale for $70
Where do you find your best fashion inspiration?
I’m sure you all know that I’m LOVING all of those yellow and gray dresses! There is nothing that I love more than seeing all different dresses for bridesmaids! Now go on and give Meg a big welcome to ELD! Thank you Meg for this fabulous insight!
Meg
Thanks so much for this opportunity, Lauren! I’m looking forward to chatting with your readers about fashion and style.
To lauren’s readers, if you have any questions about what I shared below, please don’t hesitate to ask here in the comments! I’ll be checking regularly.
I do want to point out that the reason I think this selection of varying dresses works is because of two things 1. a cohesive element through (the yellow/gray combo with a couple dresses including both colors) and 2. That all the dresses feature a modern, in-style silhouette – mostly a-line skirts with a defined waist. Not only is this very in right now, it’s extremely flattering on almost all body types.
Best,
Meg
good advice on shopping for bridesmaids’ dresses. many shops, other than bridal stores, have beautiful dresses bridesmaid can wear..
I love non traditional bridesmaids dresses, and know plenty of brides who would love to step out of the box, but aren’t sure how. I will definitely refer them here for guidance and reassurance on how great these styles can look! Thanks for Sharing!
http://www.sweetpeaevent.com